Crimson Crown

⌠61⌡

Jinyoung found himself in the armory. He wanted to leave the palace altogether, but of course, the guards stopped him under his father's orders. He found the next quietest place that was far enough from everyone else that he could gather himself and be with his thoughts.

He sat on a bench just in front of a rack of daggers, his eyes drifting over each one. He still had that dagger he requested Jaebeom to make for those times he wanted to prepare his blood for Jackson. But since the latter refused to take any, it was pointless now.

Thinking of Jackson made his chest tighten. He was upset with him, but also felt bad for snapping so abruptly. All he could remember was looking back at those apologetic eyes as he stormed away.

He just hated feeling not good enough. It felt like he was being looked down on by everyone, and no matter how much he tried to prove himself, no one seemed to think any different. It hurt most coming from Jackson. He thought that maybe, since he was part vampire now, Jackson would see his value more and trust him more, but it felt like the latter was too busy blaming himself for what happened to truly put any trust in Jinyoung.

He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he was not aware of the additional presence that joined him in the room.

"Ah, if it isn't our royal vampire." A voice hummed.

Jinyoung jolted as he glanced behind him. He relaxed once he'd laid his eyes on Mark, gazing back down at his hands. "How is it that my senses are keener, yet you can still sneak up on me?"

Mark chuckled as he approached. "I've been stealthy for much longer than you have been a vampire. Experience."

Jinyoung let out a long sigh, telling of his troubles.

He felt the elder plop down beside him, the bench shaking between their divided weights. "Why the long face?"

"Long face?" Jinyoung repeated, frowning at the elder. "Are my emotions that visible?"

"Recently, they've been clear as day no matter how much you try to hold them in." He replied. "So, since we may not train together yet, you can at least confide in me."

Jinyoung let out a soft sigh. A moment of silence passed before he spoke.

"Do you take me as stupid?"

"Far from it." Mark answered.

"Then... irrational?"

"Well... depends."

"So, yes?"

"Depends."

Jinyoung let out another heavy sigh. Just as he suspected, everyone felt the same. Even still, was he in the right to get this upset when it was partially his own fault that he couldn't be trusted?

His face sunk into his hands.

"I did not mean it." He grumbled.

"What are you talking about?"

Jinyoung initially shrugged, but all the emotions he was holding in were too much to keep to himself. "...What do you make of a man who avoids displaying his feelings despite them being obvious?"